# Manufacturing Scale-up Research and Innovation: Automotive and Aerospace

**Funder:** UKRI
**Budget:** £600k (small projects, up to 2 years) to £4.5M–£5.8M FEC (large projects, up to 4 years); UKRI funds 80% of FEC
**Deadline:** 11 November 2026 (Intent to Submit form by 16:00 UK time (mandatory); full application by 16:00 UK time on 9 December 2026)
**Duration:** Up to 2 years (small projects) or up to 4 years (large projects)
**Consortium:** Required - industry project partners central to the research with matched funding and letters of support
**Application:** 2-stage: mandatory Intent to submit form (11 November 2026) → full application (9 December 2026)
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/manufacturing-scale-up-research-and-innovation-automotive-and-aerospace/
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

UK funding opportunity under the IS8+ Advanced Manufacturing Priority Programme to scale up manufacturing of recently developed technologies in aerospace and automotive sectors. Requires industrial project partners, matched funding, access to industrial-scale manufacturing environments, and a mandatory Intent to Submit form before applying.

## Summary

This UKRI call funds UK research projects that scale up lab-based manufacturing processes into repeatable, cost-effective production capabilities for the aerospace and automotive sectors. Large projects can receive £4.5M-£5.8M FEC (80% funded by UKRI) over up to four years, while small projects are capped at £600k FEC over up to two years. Applicants must bring industry project partners on board from the outset, with matched funding committed and access to industrial-scale manufacturing environments.

## Who should apply

- UK-based research teams with lab-scale manufacturing processes ready to scale up
- Consortia including industry project partners committed to matched funding
- Projects targeting aerospace and/or automotive manufacturing applications
- Teams with access to industrial-scale manufacturing environments
- Applicants able to submit a mandatory Intent to Submit form ahead of the full proposal

## Key dates

- Mandatory Intent to Submit form due 11 November 2026, 16:00 UK time
- Full application due 9 December 2026, 16:00 UK time via UKRI Funding Service
- Projects run up to 4 years (large) or up to 2 years (small)

## Tips for applicants

- Secure industry project partner commitments and matched funding early, this is central to eligibility, not a bolt-on.
- Submit the Intent to Submit form well before the 11 November deadline since it's a mandatory gate to the full application.
- Clarify early whether your project fits the large (£4.5M-£5.8M) or small (up to £600k) funding tier, as the scope and duration differ substantially.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does this UKRI manufacturing scale-up call provide?

Large projects can receive £4.5M-£5.8M FEC with UKRI funding 80%, while small projects are capped at up to £600k FEC.

### What is the deadline for the UKRI Manufacturing Scale-up call?

A mandatory Intent to Submit form is due 11 November 2026, followed by the full application on 9 December 2026, both by 16:00 UK time.

### Do I need an industry partner to apply?

Yes, industry project partners are required and must commit matched funding from the outset, along with letters of support.

### How long can funded projects run?

Large projects can run up to four years and small projects up to two years.

### Is this call open to international applicants?

No, the call is restricted to UK-based research projects.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ukri-manufacturing-scale-up-research-and-innovation-aut-2026-12) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md&grant=ukri-manufacturing-scale-up-research-and-innovation-aut-2026-12).